Opposition leader and Jamaat-e-Islami chief Dr Shafiqur Rahman called for justice and a merit-based state at a 36 July celebration in Eskaton, Dhaka, on Sunday afternoon. Speaking as chief guest at the Shahid Abu Sayeed Convention Centre, he criticised a neighbouring country’s role and questioned its claim of friendship with Bangladesh while, in his words, giving space and a platform to a major “killer” of the country.

Rahman said the July movement sought to remove divisions and discrimination and build a united nation. Citing a United Nations figure, he said more than 1,400 people were killed in the movement, including 600 to 700 ordinary workers. He said young students, ordinary citizens, workers and religious scholars participated. He warned against the emergence of any new fascism, arguing that the same standard should apply to wrongdoing regardless of who commits it.

He alleged that honest, talented and committed patriots were being harassed and transferred, undermining public service. NDF president Professor Dr Md Nazrul Islam pledged efforts toward a just, merit-based and humane Bangladesh. The event honoured 11 individuals and institutions for contributions across health-related fields.